The Nikkei share average was up 0.36 percent on Monday, while the MSCI Asia Pacific ex-Japan gained 0.27 percent, finding some support after losing ground last week on fears of the impact of an economic slowdown in China.

The dollar fell to its lowest in a month against a basket of currencies on Friday, extending falls on expectations of more U.S. monetary stimulus. The retreat in the dollar helped push oil prices up 70 cents a barrel.

Expiring NYMEX April heating oil rose 0.95 cent to settle at $3.1684 a gallon and for the quarter gained 23.34 cents, or 7.95 percent. For the month it fell 1.96 cents, or 0.61 percent. For the week, heating oil fell 4.17 cents, or 1.30 percent.

Oil prices plunged nearly $2 per barrel and global stocks fell for a third consecutive session on Thursday, as shrinking manufacturing in China and in the two largest economies of the euro zone fueled worries about global growth.

Copper prices in London and New York peaked in the first quarter at $8,765 and nearly $4, but have lost some steam since. Prices have been locked in a $8,100-$8,800 a tonne ($3.70-$4/lb) range for the better part of the quarter as uncertainties about China’s ability to steer its economy toward a soft landing weighed.